How to remove contacts from SIM-Xiaomi Redmi 9 maps: full guide

Removal of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi 9 cards may seem like a simple task, but in practice users face nuances: from a limited interface MIUI It's not like the phone's internal memory, where contacts are synchronized with your Google or Mi Account account, SIM-The card stores data in an isolated format, which requires a separate approach.

In this article, we will discuss three proven ways to clean contacts with the SIM: through the standard "Contacts" application, by USSD-We'll focus on the hidden settings, and by connecting to the computer. MIUI 12/13, which allow for the mass management of records on SIM You'll also learn how to avoid common mistakes, such as why they can "restore" when they reboot the phone after deleting a number.

Why contact us SIM-The card requires separate removal?

SIM-Map in Redmi 9 (models) M2003J15SS, M2004J19C etc.) uses an outdated standard for the storage of contacts — ETSI GSM 11.11, which limits the:

• 📇 Number of records: maximum 250 contacts (depending on operator).
• 📞 Number format: numbers only, without spaces and special characters (for example, +79123456789, not (912) 345-67-89).
• 🔤 Name length: up to 14 characters in Latin or 7 characters in Cyrillic.

Unlike cloud services, SIM contacts are not synced to a Xiaomi or Google account, which means:

• ✅ You can transfer them to another phone just by inserting them. SIM.
• ❌ They take up space on the map, reducing the available space for the map. SMS (up to 100 messages on some tariffs).
• ⚠️ When resetting the phone to factory settings contacts on SIM This is unlike the data in the device memory.

Method 1: Remove via the Contacts app (Step-by-step)

The most obvious method is to use the standard Contacts app (an icon with a person's silhouette on a green background). MIUI 12/13 interface SIM-It's hidden deeper than you think:

1. Open the Contacts app and tap on three horizontal lines (☰) top-left.
2. Select Contact Management → Imports/Exports.
3. Press. SIM-card (if there are two in the phone) SIM, select the right one).
4. In the contact list, tick the ones you want to delete, or tap Select everything.
5. Press the basket icon (🗑️) in the upper right corner and confirm the action.

If the deletion button is inactive:

• 🔒 Check if the lock is not installed. SIM-map (PIN-Unlock it in Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Lockdown SIM-map.
• 📱 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI does not display contacts on SIM cache failure.

If you need to delete all contacts at once, but there is no mass deletion option, use the workaround:

1. Export your SIM contacts to the VCF file (Contact Management → Export to SIM → Save to Memory).
2. Delete. SIM-card from the phone and insert it back in.
3. MIUI will suggest importing contacts -- cancel that process. The map will be clean.

Method 2: USSD-quick-cleaning

Little-known fact: many operators (MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon) support USSD-command SIM-These commands allow you to delete contacts without accessing the phone interface:

How to use:

1. Open the Phone app and go to the Keyboard tab.
2. Enter the command to view contacts (for example, *111*55# for MTS) and press the call button.
3. The system will show you a list of contacts with serial numbers, and remember the number of the required record.
4. Enter the delete command by replacing [position number] with a number from the list (e.g. *111*55*3# to delete the 3rd contact).

⚠️ Attention: USSD-If the command does not work, check it with the operator via support chat or by number 0890 (for MTS).

Method 3: Delete via computer (for advanced users)

If the first two methods didn't work, you can connect Redmi 9 to a PC and manage contacts through specialized programs.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-Cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 🛠️ Programme programmes MI PC Suite or Coolmuster Android Assistant.

Instructions for MI PC Suite:

1. Download and install MI PC Suite from the official website.
2. Connect Redmi 9 to your computer and allow debugging over USB (please turn it on to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version, tap 7 times according to version, then go back to Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging over USB).
3. V MI PC Select the Suite Contacts section → SIM-map.
4. Mark unnecessary contacts and click Delete.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔍 Ability to back up contacts to a file before deleting.
• 📊 Convenient interface for mass operations (for example, removal of all contacts with the name "Ivanov»).

⚠️ Note: When connecting through USB Select the File Transfer Mode (MTP), It's not charging. MI PC Suite doesn't recognize the phone.

💡

If MI PC Suite doesn't see SIM-Contacts, try an alternative program called Mobogenie, which supports outdated storage standards. SIM, including ETSI GSM 11.11.

How to avoid data loss during deletion?

Cleanup SIM-It's an irreversible process to keep your important numbers from going down:

1. Make a backup copy: 📱 Through phone: Contacts → Management → Exports to SIM → Save in memory of the phone (file.vcf). 🖥️ Through PC: Use MI PC Suite or adb backup (for power users).

Check the duplicates:

Often, the same contacts are stored on both SIM and Google Accounts. To avoid confusion, use Contacts Optimizer (available on the Play Market).

Sync with the cloud:

Transfer your SIM contacts to Google Contacts or Mi Account:

Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact Synchronization → Enable

What if the contact is “restored” after removal?

This is because of the data caching in MIUI, to permanently erase the contacts:

1. Remove them through the Contacts app (as in Method 1).
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Clear the cache of the application Contacts in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts → Storage → Clear the cache.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When working with SIM-When you have contacts on Redmi 9, you have a problem that's typical:

Special case: if your SIM-A card from a Yota operator or Tinkoff Mobile, the standard methods may not work. SIM (eSIM, where contacts are stored in the cloud, not on a physical map:

1. Use the operator app (such as My Tinkoff).
2. Export contacts to the VCF file via the web interface of your personal account.

💡

Before any manipulations with SIM-Disable automatic synchronization of contacts in the account settings Google/Mi. This will prevent data duplication after cleaning.

Alternatives: When nothing helps

If none of these methods worked, consider radical options:

• 🔄 Resetting settings SIM-map:
• 📱 Replacement SIM-map:
• 🛠️ Manual editing through ADB (skilled):

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB without experience can lead to loss of all data on the phone or firmware failure. Before experimenting, create a full backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions